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The Standing Senate Committee On Aboriginal Peoples To Hold Public Hearings In Kelowna, Williams Lake And Vancouver

by NationTalk onSeptember 25, 2009609 Views

Ottawa – September 25, 2009 – The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples is travelling to British Columbia this week, as part of its study examining issues related to Indian Act elections. The committee will look at outstanding concerns relating to the two-year term of office for Chiefs and Council currently prescribed by the Indian Act, as well as the establishment of “common day” elections, and the possible use of removal or recall mechanisms should terms of office be extended.The committee will be holding public hearings in Kelowna, Williams Lake and Vancouver to hear from First Nations organizations, individuals and other interested groups, on whether and how changes in these areas may provide for better governance and political accountability. In addition to the public hearings, which will be interpreted in English and French, open-mike sessions will be held at the end of each day, to allow individuals to share their views.

“Throughout our public hearings in Ottawa and in Manitoba, the committee heard a wide variety of opinions on the topic of Indian Act elections,” said Senator Gerry St. Germain, chair of the committee. “I look forward to hearing from First Nations and First Nation citizens in my home province of British Columbia when the committee continues its study during the last week in September.”

“Our committee is committed to working with Aboriginal peoples on issues of concern to them,” says Senator Larry Campbell. “As we continue our national study on Indian Act elections, discussions and public hearings continue to play an important role in our work.”